76077

76079 and 76017 have also worked together at the MHR on a gala some years ago when the pocket rocket was owned by Derek foster

 

The term ‘Pocket Rocket’, is that something that was applied to ‘79 in preservation times, or is it a nickname for the entire class?

 

The nickname 'Pocket Rocket' was given to 76079 when she ventured out onto the 'mainline' operating the Cambrian, Machy to Porthmadog.

 

I look forward to seeing another 76xxx back in action - these useful locos were common in the Southampton - Weymouth area, regular performers on the Somerset and Dorset in its latter years, and seen on the Swanage branch as well as West Moors to Salisbury. But they fit in anywhere!

John

 

.... and IMO it's high time a solution to the portable signalling gear was issue found to enable it to return!

Fantastic little locos these.

 

We are well on with the manufacture of the replacement parts though we have been told many times by the loco owner (including quite recently) "there's no rush". It's interesting that there seems to be a domino effect that has gone on through the restoration of the Standard 4 2-6-0s as 76079 returned to steam with parts of 76084 and 76084 returned to steam with parts from 76077. The Company has a very good relationship with the 76077's owner and he's even a shareholder in' 84. We wish him every success in this recent upturn in his loco's fortune.

We have recently launched an appeal amongst our shareholders and wider supporters to sponsor the 76077 parts being returned. See this page for information http://www.standard4.com/76077-replacement-parts/

 

No thinking about it they did in early 2017.

 

Yes, the nickname 'Pocket Rocket' was applied to 76079 when on the main line but we would like to think it is generic to the Class. Indeed, 76084's cylinders have been bored out giving her a little more power - perhaps she's up to 4.5MT now. Well worthy of the 'Pocket Rocket' nickname.

 

Shortly after we got 76079 out of Barry a former Sutton Oak fireman told us that this loco was always regarded as a "strong" member of the class and often stood in for a class 5 when none were available. Strong or not the Moguls didn't have the adhesive weight of a 5 so maybe that accounted for 76079's well worn tyres? The same chap also, kindly, let us have the original smokebox plate for 47298.
Ray.

 

Yes along with available motive power with even closer long term association with that route! - that really would pull in the crowds.

 

There is a report on further progress on 76077 here:
http://gwsrsteamloco.blogspot.com/2018/11/centenary-special.html

The blog also covers other locos associated with the GWSR including progress on the overhaul of Collett 2-8-0 3850 and further work on 2874.

The weather looked good for the Armistice Day Centenary event at the weekend. May I please draw your attention to the choice of locomotive used to haul the special! No contest really given its long history.

 

Thank you for the link, engine seems entirely appropriate, although the poppy was (IMO) a little OTT.

 

I'm glad I wasn't the only one! I'd have though a poppy wreath of similar size would have looked a bit better. Good to see the railway getting involved in this sort of thing though.

 

from which

How much does a quartering error matter? After all, on 3-cylinder locos the angle is 120° and those run quite happily without any ill effect on the coupling rods. And what about that re-machining? Taking material off one side couldn't change the effective position much without reducing the diameter too far, so have the pins been built up with additional material first?

 

Christ, it did shoot off like a rocket at the end. Awesome footage.

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

I don't think there is enough information in the statement to give an answer. Is it one wheel or all three on the same side, or what?

 

I see what you mean. If the quartering is different between one wheel set and the others, that would be bad.

 

This is one from my early days of railway filming, thanks for sharing it Would love to have another crack at this!

 

The boiler from 76077 was on display on a weltrol in Toddington car park over the recent Cotswold Festival of Steam. There was also a stall where members of the Toddington Standard Locomotive Ltd group were on hand to answer questions and to collect money for this excellent future addition to the GWSR. Restoration of the rest of the locomotive continues at various locations. A new tender is required as the one paired with 76077 on arrival at Barry Yard is now attached to another 76xxx. The Toddington group's website is www.standard76077.com